The future of agriculture-based education is on the way after ground was broken today on a new ag-based magnet school for Springfield Public Schools students.
SPS and Missouri State are partnering on the new magnet school which will be located at the William H. Darr Agricultural Center off South Kansas Expressway. The Darr Family Foundation made a significant gift to the construction of the school.
“The generous gift of the Darr Family Foundation and the partnership of Missouri State University enable SPS to give more students access to unique programs which they find to be engaging, relevant and personal,” Dr. John Jungmann, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, said in a statement. “We believe this academy will help students better understand the important role agriculture plays in Missouri and challenge them to explore ways they can be active participants in that heritage.”
The new school will join other schools housed on the campuses of district partners: Health Sciences Academy, Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, Academy of Exploration and Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility.
“We’re excited this collaborative project is taking off,” MSU President Clif Smart said in a statement. “Soon, many Springfield students will have access to a modern, fully equipped facility where they can dive deep into learning all about agriculture.”
The Darr Family Foundation’s gift for the academy is the largest known gift in the history of the school district.